ing up. We’ll have more <b>than </b>enough tough aboutter. For now<b>, </b>let’s get back to business.
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<b>3/3 </b>
Chapter 256 Preparing for Change
Tessa said, “Huh<b>? </b><b>You </b>actually have something <b>serious </b>for me<b>?</b><b>” </b>
“What, I can’t<b>?</b><b>” </b>
“You can! Tell me, are we e going after the Reed family or Ethan? Whatever it is just send me the dirt.”
Ste’s mouth twitched.
In Tessa’s mind, me taking someone down counts as serious business?
“Did the Keene <b>family </b>pressure you afterst <b>time</b>?”
After Tessa had so bluntly exposed the Keene family’s scandal, there <b>was </b>no way they hadn’t tried to retaliate.
<b>Tessa </b>sported coldly. “You think I’d be scared of <b>them</b><b>?</b>”
“I’m just worried about Auntie.”
“My mom’s <b>no </b>pushover.”
Ste fell silent.
Fair enough.
Tessa’s mother had singlehandedly carved out her own ce in Rivermount while raising a child alone.
It hadn’t been just sweetness and kindness that got her there. Without real capability, there would be no Night Corp.
“So, who are we taking down?”
“No one, Ste said
“Really? Then what is it?”
I’m heading back to Fleule. I was wondering if you’re interested in taking over my studio.”
Tessa’s reaction was immediate. “What? You’re leaving Rivermount? When<b>?</b>”
“Probably in about <b>half </b>a month.”
After weighing it carefully, Ste had decided she couldn’t leave the studio unattended.
It wasn’t a ce she woulde back to often anymore.
Tessa said, “That’s so sudden.”
“It’s not really sudden<b>.</b><b>” </b>
The moment Abraham <b>came </b><b>to </b>find her, she had known there would be a deadline for her time here.
Tessa hesitated. “But I have no experience with that stuff”
“If you just keep the original team, pay everyone on time, you <b>won’t </b>need to <b>worry </b>much.”
Up until <b>now</b>, every project the studio had taken had been done with care and effort. The clients who came were all drawn by its reputation.
–
Tessa suggested, “How about this- I’ll manage it for you. <b>You </b>stay the majority shareholder. How’s <b>that</b>?”
“Ste, you’re just the adopted daughter of the Luke family. No one knows <b>what </b>the future holds.”
Tessa cut her off before she could finish.
It wasn’t <b>a </b>
curse.
Tessa was genuinely worried about her.
“You opened that studio back then to give yourself a safety. You think I don’t know? And your brother’s feelings for you. I’ve seen them with my own eyes,
Tessa didn’t finish <b>the </b>rest of her thoughts.
Because she didn’t know Abraham’s true standing within the Dawson family, she worried whether he could really protect Ste
Jonathan hadn’t even managed to get his own son’s name registered.
After all, the Luke family <b>was </b>the kind of old–money aristocracy where bloodlines mattered deeply.
And no one really knew how Ste’s adoptive mother felt about her either.
Tessa <b>was </b>thinking ahead for her.
Listening to her, Ste felt a warmth spread through her chest.
“Baby, you really are the best to me.”
Tessa was the first person in Rivermount who had ever truly cared for her.
Ironically, it had nothing to do with the Reed family at all.
“So, we’re doing it my way?”
Ste hesitated. “There’s really no need… My mom’s not asplicated as you think. I can handle it.”
She had grown up under her mother’s roof. She knew exactly what to do if it came down to it.
If <b>nothing </b>else worked, she could always fall back on the old tactics her mother had taught her: cry, act spoiled, beg for hugs….
But Tessa didn’t back down. “Just do as I say.”
She was truly worried Ste would face trouble once she returned to Fleule. Judging by how aggressively Abraham had pursued her, this return would not be simple.
Ste finally gave in. “Alright, fine. I’ll listen to you.”
Her heart was warm and full.
Ste slept through the entire morning.
When she went downstairs, she saw <b>Abraham </b>on the phone, his expression not looking <b>good</b>.
Eddie hovered nearby like a guilty dog, sneaking nces at Abraham nervously.
The scene told Ste everything this was definitely about Evie.
The moment Eddie spotted her, it <b>was </b>like he’d seen salvation. He rushed over. “Ste, you’ve got to say something nice for Eviel
Ste was speechless.
Isn’t dark skin supposed to make it easier to hide at night?
It’s broad daylighet
And it’s snowing!Shouldn’t she be sticking out like a sore thumb?
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